The Listening to Mothers II survey revealed an interesting statistic. Half of the women in their survey had attempted to induce labor. 22% tried to start labor on their own at home and 41% had used medical induction methods. 39% of the

Some midwives believe self-induction methods cause more stress than they relieve. Others feel repeated attempts at self-induction can help move the hormones in your favor. If your goal is to help prepare your body to start labor instead of starting labor in the next few hours you will probably not be disappointed by these self-induction methods.

What it is: Blue and black cohosh are roots from two separate plants. Blue cohosh, Caluphyllum thalictroides, is also known as squaw root, papoose root, blue ginseng or yellow ginseng. Black cohosh, Cimicifuga racemosa, is also known as baneberry, black snakeroot, bugbane,

What it is: In an attempt to start labor, some women will drink a mixture of castor oil and juice. The various recipes for this mixture are generally called a “midwife cocktail,” or a “castor oil induction.” How it works: Castor oil

Oxytocin is one of the hormones that plays a part in the labor process. Injecting your body with synthetic oxytocin is expected to cause uterine contractions. It may be used to start labor, speed up a slow labor, or to cause the

If you decide it is best for your baby to be born right away, your chances of a successful induction will be dependent on your body’s readiness for labor. A woman with a “ripe” cervix is more likely to be successful at

I’ve seen bits and pieces of the Full 40 Campaign, but took the time to dig out all the materials after attending the AWHONN Conference last week. As usual, there are some things I like, and some I wonder about. What do